Mali, Senegal Coaches Eye U-20 World Cup Final

The coaches of Mali and Senegal are looking forward to progressing to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final after their sides defied the odds to reach the tournament’s semi-finals and continue to carry Africa’s torch.
Mali defeated Nigeria conquerors Germany on penalties after full time and extra time ended in a 1-1 stalemate, while Senegal saw off Uzbekistan on Sunday.
Mali coach Fanyeri Diarra told fifa.com after their shock victory: “We said we would show Christchurch a great game and we did it.
“Germany is a big nation at this level and we know we were not the favourites, but we fought the battle until the end.
“Before the tournament I didn’t think our team was ready but we have grown in confidence and believed in ourselves. We have carried on step-by-step and have been building on our good results.
“There are always surprises in these tournaments and we are one of them. Now we are ready to face whatever comes next.”
Senegal boss Joseph Koto is relieved his players have proved their doubters wrong.
“We have prayed a lot since the beginning of the competition and particularly in the last few days,” Koto told the FIFA website. “Most importantly I want to congratulate my players because they truly played a heroic match today.
“It was a very tough match as I was expecting, they fought really well and we’re all very happy. I can tell you one thing, Dakar isn’t sleeping right now. “At first everyone expected us to get smashed, 5-0, 6-0, 7-0 at every match we played but the team actually progressed through the rounds and now everyone watches the matches.”